The most famous designs of the twentieth century are not those in museums; but in the marketplace. The Coca-Cola bottle and McDonalds logo are known the world over and may tell us more about our culture than a narrowly-defined canon of classics. One of the worlds foremost design historians; Jonathan Woodham takes a fresh look at the wider issues of design and industrial culture throughout Europe; Scandinavia; North America; and the Far East. Drawing on the most up-to-date scholarship; he explores themes such as national identity; the "Americanization" of ideology and business methods; the rise of multi-nationals; Pop and Postmodernism; and contemporary ideas of nostalgia and heritage. Woodham sets the proliferation of everyday design against the writing of critics as diverse as Nikolaus Pevsner; the champion of Modernism; and Vance Packard; author of The Hidden Persuaders. The history which emerges is clearly seen for what it is: the powerful and complex expression of aesthetic; social; economic; political; and technological forces.
#932074 in eBooks 1997-05-08 1997-03-24File Name: B000QTD35Y
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Vasari On TechniqueBy JoeVasari On Technique is a translation from the Italian of the original by Giorgio Vasari he himself a painter and architect of the fifteenth century.This 328 page book translated by Louisa S.Maclehose with an introduction and notes by Professor G. Baldwin Brown must find its place in everyones home who is interested how the arts of architecture; painting and sculptor were carried out at the beginning of the Renaissance. In fact most of the details described are still followed today. I must add here that the translator went to great lengths to make this book as reliable as can be. She researched all the artists mentioned by Vasari and even lists the places were the various works of art mentioned are located today.In the chapter dealing with architecture the author goes on to great lengths in describing the various types of stone used at the time; how they were cut from the quarries and finished. How a piece of architectural design must possess to be perfect with a special reference to ancient Greek work.On dealing with sculptor here too he describes the way marble - the arch material for sculptor at the time (and in a way it still is) is carved and polished to attain the lifelike representation. Vasari describes so well the technique that even those who are not familiar with the subject will understand the process. Clay and other stones are given their due importance.Painting is the last item tackled. This includes stained glass; niello; enamel work and others too many to list. Oil; tempera and fresco are also tackled and explained the how to they were carried out. How colours were ground and mixed with oil or egg is another interesting item in the book.What I liked more in this exquisite translation is that at the end of each chapter whether dealing with architecture painting or sculptor Professor Baldwin gives his own clarification where Vasari was not that clear. Reference is made too to our modern times.This is a book which must really interest those who wish to know more about the technique of architecture; sculptor and painting. It is a priceless addition to any ones library. Highly recommended.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful addition to Vasaris Lives of the ArtistsBy Leslie ArnoldA wonderful addition to Vasaris Lives of the Artists. The information was very valuable for my art history classes and gave further insight into the artistic techniques and materials of specific artists of the Italian Renaissance. As an artist it is also valuable information concerning technique and materials that were used during his lifetime.0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Given as a giftBy Thomas A. KernanA gift I know little about this book except it was appreciated as a gift.